DM Fflash's Shattered Star Campaign

Game Master DM Fflash

Vuloo smiles at the boggards, "My friends, never mind the maidens, we can be of greater assistance. I will gladly heal anyone in your tribe. As my friend states, I'm sure we can come to an arrangement."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Andel croaks a translation and aids Vuloo with diplomacy.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Adion sighs and waits for something bad to happen

Relan stands non-threateningly and smiling, trying to show a willingness to be friendly to these strange creatures. He nods assuringly at what he hopes is appropriate times.

Diplomacy Assist: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (16) - 2 = 14

Levelle can't help but mimic Relan thinking it couldn't possibly hurt.

Diplo Aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

"You better than metal she-women, huh? If so, you need to prove it. I don't like the halfling, and I was thinking of feeding it to the pit. But if your woman leader," the frog woman points at Braelex, "Can propose a better champion to prove your worth, we will help you. Your champion must survive for 1 minute in the pit and find a way out."

The other boggards start to get excited, bouncing up and down and croaking in a chant like manner.

"If your champion survives, we take your assistance and then show you to the caves."

She turns and looks at Braelex expectantly.

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*This* is why I just need to keep my mouth shut...

Braelex groans but manages to force a smile. With a nod, she says "Very well, we accept your challenge. But what is this 'pit' you speak of? I want to know what we face before a champion is chosen."

Vuloo turns to Relan, "You're our champion. I think I can give you the advantage. Ready for the pit?"

Andel translates for Braelex.

"The pit is behind you ... you may look in, if you wish."

The boggard's throat flexes and a light chittering croak emerges. It's echoed by the other boggards around the area.

Andel stares at the big boggard and then looks at the party, "I think they're laughing."

I can fight, but am not as sure about finding a way out. lets see how you can help me prepare. Relan says to his team as eh looks down into the pit.

Relan glances down into the pit.

The tentacles you saw earlier writhe and move, and a nightmarish maw of teeth and eyes open up in the middle of them. This "head" is attached to about eight muscular tentacles that have left a clear viscous residue stinking of putrefaction. Its amphibian skin is moist, green-black, and covered in warts and protuberances. On its back, dozens of fist-sized pustules shift and pulsate with nauseating vitality, like sentient oily bubbles threatening to burst.

It croaks a deep, long sound and then opens its maw and roars ... driving the boggards into a series of croaks and excitement.

Image uploaded to Roll 20

The pit is 6 squares and 15 feet deep. The NW and SE squares are considered "squeezed." Getting in shouldn't be a problem (move action) but the bottom is muddy terrain, considered difficult terrain

Vuloo looks down the pit with Relan and whispers, "You're going to have to kill it to get out. I should be able to heal you remotely as you fight. If the boggards allow it, i'll cast other spells as well to assist. Are you ready?"

Relax knows that he is not an ideal candidate for this fight but he also recognized that he might be the best bet. He waits for buffs from the party before jumping in.

Knowledge Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

What is that thing. he asks.

Is Relan Life Linked? Any other buffs?

"That... looks nasty," Braelex mutters, not hiding her disgust.

She hesitates, but then offers. "I might be able to do the test, instead of Relan. If the challenge is to survive for a minute and then climb out, I've got extracts of invisibility and spider climbing. I could prepare a levitate one also. Do my best hide 'n seek then fly out..."

Vuloo strokes his beard, "These boggards want to see blood. They won't let us go until we prove our battle prowess. I think Relan is better suited for the fight."

Vuloo sets up a life link with Relan and then casts bless and protection from evil on him.

"May Sarenrae guide your sword."

"Ask them if it matters how we fight this creature"

"If there are no rules, then I don't see why I can't just summon many elementals to quickly destroy it and then we will also have them here to protect us if we need them"

"Rules? Boggard and trogs aren't the orderly sorts of humanoids. Raiding, savagery and cannibalism are in their nature. I kinda think this was, uh, made up on the spot," Andel shrugs.

"There are an awful lot of them gathering to watch, though. I'd hate to, um, anger them."

Looking around, you see that the boggard tribe is gathering to watch.

"Oh I can give them the show the want without having to endanger anyone. I just don't like the idea of sending any of us into that pit, what if they turn on us while someone is down there?"

What do the shards powers that we have do again? Major image or something right on one? What else?

Shard of Pride = Major Image 1/day; Shard of Greed - Haste 1/day. CL = wielder level

So the pit is only 10' feet in diameter and there is no solid ground in it?

10 feet or so. Tactically it's the 6 squares it covers on the map with the 2 opposing NW and SE squares treated as "squeezed". All 6 squares are mud -- difficult terrain

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Braelex shrugs, not looking all that disappointed. She hands Relan a flask. "In case things get sticky, this invisibility potion might help."

Storing the flask in his belt Relan prepares to jump into the pit. He activates Haste on himself before jumping. He uses his jump as a charge with his reach weapon and tries to catch the creature by surprise With a power attack. He activates his Combat expertise as well.

Acrobatics to avoid the fall damage and to land on his feet: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Leaping Charge: 1d20 + 13 + 2 - 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 13 + 2 - 2 + 1 + 1 = 262d4 + 8 + 6 ⇒ (2, 1) + 8 + 6 = 17 Lots of modifiers:=2 charge, -2 expertise for AC, +1 bless, +1 Haste. If you disagree with any simply remove those modifiers.

Weather or not the attack lands Relan drops the Ranseur which will no longer serve him in these close quarters and draws his long sword.

Current AC is 20. If he gets a surprise round then he will be drawing the sword next round.

I'll give you the charge on a rule fudge, sword draw is out since charge is a full round action and you're not drawing the weapon to attack as part of the charge action. For what its worth. I think you get the higher ground attack bonus as well, but you'll hit regardless. The creature is not surprised since it's been staring up waiting for something since you guys have been hovering around its home.

Relan Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Bogwid Init: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

As Relan leaps into the air, the waiting creature takes a tentacle and rips one of the pustules on its back, throwing a snapping biting tiny version of itself at the falling warrior. The creature latches on to Relan's collar bone and starts chewing away.

Ranged Touch vs Relan: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23; Bleed Damage 1d2/rd: 1d2 ⇒ 2; + make a DC16 Fort Save or catch Bogwid Fever (1 day onset, 1/day take 1d2 Str dam and shaken, 2 consec saves)

Ignoring the savage tadpole, Relan drives his spear deep, eliciting a roaring croak, before he drops it and lands up to his knees in the mud. As Relan stands, he feels a bit groggy, realizing his charge opened him up for a swat from one of the tentacles, its touch and feel nauseating the warrior.

Attack of Opportunity vs Relan: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20; Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 + make a DC16 Fort Save or be nauseated for 1 round.

Relan's (and everyone else's) turn. I'll post as soon as I see Relan's post, so if you want to do something inbetween rounds, be quick!

Fort Save 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Fort Save 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Already hit twice, Relan shakes off the nausea he feels and using his haste attacks twice with both hands, power attacking while maintaining his combat expertise.

Longsword: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 10 - 2 + 1 = 181d8 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 6 = 18

Longsword: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 10 - 2 + 1 = 201d8 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 6 = 17

AC is still 20

Bogpit Round 2

Init: Bogwid, Relan

The creature swings out with its tentacles at Relan, but the warrior down and ready ducks under each of the disgusting creatures's blows, whipping out his sword 2-handed he strikes at the creature, but it slips off its rubbery flesh. The creature in his neck continues to chew on him. Relan now notices the revolting aura around the creature as well and close up, he sees how visually repulsive it is.

Fort Save DC16 or be sickened as long as you're within 10 feet

Gotta draw the sword this round (per my note last round) leaving you with a standard action, which doesn't allow you the bonus haste attack until you're able to take a full round action

Slam to hit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19; miss
Slam to hit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17; miss
Relan's Bleed Damage: 1d2 ⇒ 1

Bogpit Round 3

Gonna have the creature post its Round 3 now, so you can act based on all the information

It swims back through the mud effortlessly and launches another one of its ravenous young at Relan aiming for Relan's leg. The warrior splashes mud up and the tin creature gets lost in the foul murk.

Ranged Touch To hit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Over to you!

Relan, note that the life link essentially gives you fast healing 5. After two rounds, you've recovered 10 of the 12 hp damage.

Vuloo will heal himself.

CLW: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Ok. No problem on drawing the sword - I was not sure from your post if that had been ok or not. To recap, the 18 missed, right? and I guess the throw from the creature did not provoke?

Fort Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Some of Relan's woulds close as he is foreced to advance on the creature (using a move action and he swings his sword a second time. i'll use the previous roll if that is ok.

Braelex grasps the Shard of Pride and concentrates, conjuring up an illusory duplicate of Relan in the pit. It splits from him and makes threatening gestures towards the bogwid.

Maybe that will confuse it a little...

Bogpit Round 3

Init: Relan + party, Bogwid

Relan pursues the creature into its corner. (The throw would provoke, but it did a 5-foot first via its ability to swim in the mud). The warrior takes a more purposeful blow this time and hits the beast hard.

A duplicate Relan leaps out next to him causing a gasp of croaks from the boggards.

The bog beast oozing noxious goo from the two vicious wounds looks back and forth between the 2 warriors in stupid confusion. It lashes out at each of them with a tentacle. It snarls as the image wavers in front of it after its attack and then turns its attention away from the fake Relan. The gambit was a success, however, and Relan find himself unscathed this round.

To hit vs real Relan: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15; miss
Will save vs fake Relan: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21; success

Back to the party for Round 4

Shouldn't the saving throw come first, per the DM's own rule?

It should ... so we'll call that an autofail

Yeah! Take that harsh, uncaring world!!

Round 3 of Haste

Finally able to use his Haste to its full effect Relan swings twice at the creature power attacking and maintaining his Combat Expertise.

1d1d20 + 10 - 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 10 - 2 + 1 + 1 = 271d8 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 6 = 15

1d1d20 + 10 - 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 10 - 2 + 1 + 1 = 171d8 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 6 = 17

With a note of finality, Relan staggers forward covered in mud and filth and drives his blade deep into the center of the bogwids head, carving a furrow between the creatures eyes. It sinks and bubbles up some ichor and ceases moving.

End Combat

A roar of croaks, some joyous and some disappointed go up around the area. The boggards exchange some coins and a couple swap daggers or jewelry crafted from teeth and hair. A couple get into a small brawl that eventually gets broken up.

Mama Bebella is still watching the party. She appears displeased as best you can tell from your short experience with boggard expressions.

Relan is still at the bottom of the pit. Actions?

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Relan uses his next round to remove the parasite still sucking at his blood. He does so with care, dropping both his combat expertise and his power attack.

Longsword: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 10 + 1 + 1 = 181d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Then, sheathing his sword Relan moves to recover his Ranseur. After securing it he attempts to climb out. Now that he is not threatened he will take 10.

Climb: 10 + 10 = 20

LEvelle watches on thoroughly impressed by Relan's display. Not having really fought with the group she doesn't move to use any of her abilities though she is keen to observe how they support one another in the process, aiming to remind herself how she may best aid in any future conflict.

Vuloo claps his hands and leads a cheer, "Well done Relan! "

He then turns to Mama Bebella, "Our champion is victorious. I hope we have now proven our mettle to you. May we now discuss business? We seek your assistance in entering the Lady's Light. What may we offer in return?"

Andel translates.

Relan pries the tenacious spawn off him with his blade tearing flesh. He hauls himself out of the pit, attempting to slip between the spikes.

Relan takes 1d2 ⇒ 1 bleed damage plus 5 damage from harming himself. For the climb, Reflex save DC14 or take 1d4 ⇒ 2 damage from the spike.

Mama Bebella looks around and then shrugs with a small ribbit, "You have more metal weapons like the she-warriors? You give some of those and I can escort to the same tunnels the metal women took." <Andel translating>

Does the bleed stop from removing the spawn? If not does it stop when the life link kicks in and heals Relan 5? If it does not Relan will continue to bleed and ask for some direct healing, or at least a heal check to address the bleeding wound.

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Nicking himself on the spikes as he climbs Relan continues to heal through the life link. Thank you Vuloo and you too Braelex. Your help is appreciated. We make a good team.

Counting three rounds of bleed 2, including one round I think you forgot, Relan took a total of 23 points of damage, 7 of which were self inflicted (climb and removal of spawn) So I believe he fast heals 20 and is currently down 3.

Bleed stops upon removal of the spawn.

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Vuloo looks Mama Babella in the eye, "I offer you healing and our solemn pledge not to assist your enemies. Surely with all your recent battles you must have many wounded. I can heal them and get them back in the fight. Imagine your advantage when you go to battle against the troglodytes at full strength. What do you say?"

To emphasize his point Vuloo will heal himself.

CLW: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Andel translates.

Andel translates:

"I will have no halfling cast its foul magic on me or my people! Your owners can beat the she-warriors offer or we can strip what we want off your carcasses ... your choice!"

The boggards around you pay attention to Mama's loud croaking and grip their weapons firmly and close in around you all.

Aidon sighs and steps up to speak to Mama,

"We have already completed your challenge and there was no mention of anything else needed other then to survive in the pit, which he clearly did."

"We do not wish to fight you, we would rather destroy your enemies the trogs, your warriors are clearly injured and are in no condition to fight, but I will tell you this, if you continue to push us, you will be the first to die, and though your warriors my slay us, you will still be dead."

"Now enough of this nonsense, we have completed your challenge and you will either help us and you promised or you will let us move on untouched. Those are your only two options"

Diplomacy - 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32

Seems a touch more like intimidate than diplomacy + she's already been diplomacized. Can't influence her again that way.

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I haven't tried to influence her once, so there should still be an option for Aidon to attempt since he hasn't spoken to her at all, and the rules simply state that you can't use it more then once in 24 hours, I haven't used it at all

Asking her to honor her previous bargain is still inside the rules of trying to be diplomatic, and it doesn't say that using diplomacy has to be friendly, it just simply says trying to influence. I am making her an offer she should choose to make after seeing the truth of my words, I am not trying to scare her into obeying, I am stating facts

These are the facts, her people are weakened, we already made a bargain with her and Relan succeeded at it, we want to go and destroy the trogs which is good for her people, and if this turns into a fight, she will be the first to die

Andel could also choose to not translate if what I said worries the party

The diplomacy attitude shift for the given creature was for the party, not just the first person. You can't pile an attitude shift on top of another attitude shift. If we didnt make it party based, she'd still be hostile to you which defeats the purpose of the original intent. Just because you didn't roll the dice, doesn't mean you weren't part of the attempt.

I deem use of threats as use of Intimidate. If you don't want to do that, don't roll it and I'm ok with just the role play.

Andel will translate unless someone tells him not too.

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Braelex waves at Andel, hushing him before he translates Aidon's tirade. "Yeah, we were trying to be somewhat friendly..." Braelex sighs. "They obviously don't like halflings and want nothing from Vuloo, so we can stop offering the heals. Let's just take her offer of a guide and get on with it!"

"Looks like they're expecting us to give them something before she'll guide us ..." Andel says looking at the encroaching boggards nervously

For his part Relax respectfully offers the sword he used to kill the creature in the pit to Mama Babella.

I guess I'm lost... what are these weapons she keeps mentioning that we supposedly have?